Tuesday, 28 March 2017

The Five Best Decisions I've Made As A Blogger

I must admit, I hesitated before writing this post. I'm not a big blogger by any stretch of the imagination, and I wouldn't want anyone to think I'm trying to offer advice on how to become one, because I'm in no position to do that. That said, I've been working on my blog for three years now, and although I'm nowhere near where I'd like to be, it only takes a quick look back at where I started to see how far I've come. You don't work hard on something for any length of time without learning a thing or two, and at this point in my blogging career, I can definitely look back on the decisions I've made and pinpoint those that have helped me the most.

So, in the hopes that sharing my experience might prove useful for other bloggers, here are the five best blogging decisions I've made so far.

1 - I started my blog - OK, so that might sound overly simplistic! Nevertheless, while the actual act of starting a blog is fairly straightforward, it's also something that's becoming more and more daunting as time goes on. Blogs are increasingly glossy and perfect. Back in the day, you could look at them and think, "I can do that!" Nowadays, you're more likely to think, "I could never do that! And where the heck am I supposed to find my own film crew?!" But the point is, no blogger in the world starts out perfect. It's just that a lot of people have been doing it for a long time. They learned as they went along, and you will too. The only way to get better at something is to practise often, and with blogging, that means writing and publishing blog posts. Don't worry about putting them out there. You will find that the blogging community is really supportive, and the sooner you get started, the sooner you'll improve. Actually jumping in and starting my blog is one of the best decisions I've ever made, so if you're agonising over whether or not you're ready to do it, just do it!

2 - I got a Pipdig template - While we're on the subject of worrying about how good your blog looks, buying a professionally designed template is a great way to take it up a notch (or five!) with almost no effort whatsoever. I can't recommend Pipdig enough for this. Their templates are beautiful, affordable and easy to install. They'll even install it for you if you're really unsure (I was really unsure!) Once it's set up, you can change your profile photo and play around with the sidebar with no problems.

3 - I joined Thirty Plus - After actually starting my blog, this has probably been the best decision I've made so far. The blogging community in general is lovely, but I've gained so much from being part of this particular group. Often, bloggers are introverts by nature - I definitely am - and being a "joiner" doesn't necessarily come naturally, especially when it comes to meeting people "IRL". However, I'm so glad I've pushed myself out of this particular comfort zone. Not only have I met some wonderful, like-minded people, but I've also learned so much about blogging through being part of the group. It's even given me the opportunity to work on a couple of paid projects, which I wouldn't have had otherwise. So, even if you feel shy, find the groups that are right for you and join, join, join!

4 - I decided my worth - When I first started blogging, I thought it was important to take every opportunity I was offered. Even if I wasn't particularly interested in reviewing the product in question, or it felt like I was getting very little out of my "collaboration" with a brand, I felt I would be missing out on valuable exposure if I turned anything down. How wrong was I?! After one too many bad experiences, I decided to stop blogging about things I didn't care about for not so much as a retweet in return. Unfortunately, there are a lot of brands and PR companies out there who seem to think that small blogs are good enough to advertise their product, but not to receive anything in return. Don't let them get away with it. Decide your worth, and assess each offer you get on its own merits. If it feels like you're not going to get anything out of it, turn it down politely. There will be other offers - better ones as you grow and improve.

5 - I didn't give up - This one is ongoing. It's easy to be full of enthusiasm when you first start something and blogging is no different. You've built something from scratch and it's a wonderful feeling. Every photo that turns out half decent is a personal triumph; every new follower is a thrill. And then all of a sudden you realise that you've been doing this for quite some time now, and that if you continue to grow at your current rate, you will need to blog for about 75 years before you have even a quarter of the following of the amazing established bloggers who inspired you in the first place. Sound familiar? I know a lot of my fellow bloggers go through phases of wondering whether there's any point continuing, and I do too. But if I had quit when I was feeling miserable about my blog at the end of last year, I would have missed out on the great collaboration opportunity I was offered in January. I decided then that so long as I enjoy creating content for my blog, I won't quit. It might feel like a hard slog at times, but there's only one way to guarantee I'll never get another good opportunity and that's by giving up.

Well, I was going to write about five ways I need to improve as a blogger as well, but it turns out I've had more to say on my good decisions than I thought I would! So I think I'll make that a separate post.

It was really interesting to read this. I think it is super important to decide your worth as it is so difficult to not just sell yourself for nothing out there. I am still working on it and I hope that it will get better in the future but it is so important to tell this to other bloggers out there so that they don't make the same mistakes! So: Good job :*

I can relate to all of the ones you mentioned. My template is not PipDig, but a bought one, and I have yet to grasp the concept of Thirty Plus, but even though my blog is nowhere where I would want it to be, it brings me joy and that is what counts.

I couldn't agree more when you talked about joining a community. I myself am a full blown introvert but blogging and joining a community made me open my shell more. It does feel great. An influencer I idolize said the same thing about how most bloggers are introverts by nature and that we tend to have noisy minds. :)

Three years definitely constitutes a post helping new bloggers! I definitely needed this post, I genuinely love your blog. There are so many bloggers these days and it's so hard to find a niche, and that's where I agree that the community is amazing because it enables crossing of blogging boundaries and categories. A lot of bloggers say similar things about only working with brands you actually like so I'm ready to take that on board early on. Thanks for the supportive post, really makes a difference.Kate || www.katerattley.com

The best decision's I have made, has to be discussing what I love and is more edgy. I do love dressy type styles and even talking about a variety of things, but my biggest thing is talking about what comes natural and organic. Always sharing honesty, and not letting haters get you down. If you don't love what you do then their is no point to it. Loved your list here and thanks for sharing this :) You have a great blog.http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2017/03/80s-power-dressing.html

The fifth one is soo important! I started my blog in August 2016 and I would definitely agree with you that it gets more and more daunting as time goes on! I'm glad that you stuck with yours though, otherwise I wouldn't be able to read it ;)

I had so many moments when I wanted to give it all up but I still keep going because it's my greatest hobby and the blog has given me the opportunities to meet lovely people and try some amazing products. I'm not yet there where I'd like my blog to be but slowly I'm getting there. x

I couldn't agree more about the PR part, where they want us to work for free. I am not a big blogger so you could imagine how many emails I get from PRs about writing a post or join this amazing and exciting campaign that they have for....a retweet or maybe, just a maybe a feature on their FB page. These days I will always ask what's their budget because I need one to work with.

I loved reading this, I got a pipdig template and it has been really good for me, also knowing my worth, I've also stopped just taking on any PR offers that come my way and I actually turn down more than I accept now and that has really made me feel better about myself because I talk about things that genuinely interest me now.

I think one of the best decisions I made for my blog recently was to get a professionally designed template too and to ask them to install it. I tried to do it myself and it ended up a bit of a disaster and I wasted so much time on it. I was amazed at how quick and easy the process was once I decided to get someone with more experience to help :) x

Really enjoyed reading this post Kate! Everything was so relatable and I found myself nodding along so much! Getting a professional template for my blog a few years back was a major turning point for me, as was getting my own domain (even if it did take me all day and night) and business blog cards printed. Saying that I feel there's still so much to learn and do to better my blog in so many ways and sometimes it all seems like such a minefield, but you're so right on the not giving up front. We never know what's around the corner and there's so much to look forward to! You're doing so amazingly well and I couldn't be prouder of you - go GIRL! <3

Oh I'm completely with you on appreciating Pipdig blog templates, I adore mine! Love your point about knowing your own worth by the way; that's so important with blogging; it really is a case of quality over quantity! :) Have a fabulous weekend Kate.

Ah hun - I want to say a massive well done as I actually remember your early days in blogging when everything was new and all I can say is well done at how far you've come! You're doing so well and the content you write is always lovely - including the photos too!

It's good to invest time (and some money) into blogging as this is what your readers see, it's the theme, the layout and of course the images.

I love blogging and still think there's such a wonderful community to connect with and I can't wait to see more from you!